And you, O king, saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying: 'Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump with its roots in the ground, and a band of iron and bronze around it, in the tender grass of the field. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and graze with the beasts of the field till seven times pass him by.' And you, O king, saw a watcher, a holy oneThe term "watcher" is derived from the Aramaic word "ʿîr," which means "one who is awake" or "a sentinel." In the context of Daniel, watchers are often understood as angelic beings tasked with observing and executing God's will on earth. The "holy one" emphasizes the purity and divine authority of this messenger, reinforcing the idea that the message is from God Himself. This highlights the sovereignty of God over earthly rulers, reminding us that no matter how powerful a king may be, he is still subject to divine authority. coming down from heaven
This phrase signifies the divine origin of the message. Heaven is often depicted as the dwelling place of God and His angels, and the descent of the watcher underscores the intervention of the divine in human affairs. It serves as a reminder that God is actively involved in the world and that His plans and purposes will prevail. and saying, 'Cut down the tree and destroy it
The "tree" in Nebuchadnezzar's dream symbolizes his kingdom and his own greatness. The command to "cut down" and "destroy" the tree is a prophetic declaration of judgment. This imagery is a powerful reminder of the transient nature of human power and the ultimate authority of God. It serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance, urging humility before the Almighty. but leave the stump with its roots in the ground
The "stump with its roots" signifies hope and the possibility of restoration. While the tree is cut down, the roots remain, indicating that Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom will not be completely eradicated. This reflects God's mercy and His willingness to restore those who repent and acknowledge His sovereignty. with a band of iron and bronze around it
The "band of iron and bronze" suggests protection and preservation. Iron and bronze are strong metals, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's decree. This imagery indicates that while Nebuchadnezzar will be humbled, his kingdom will be preserved for a future restoration, contingent upon his recognition of God's authority. in the tender grass of the field
The "tender grass" represents humility and a return to a natural, unadorned state. It contrasts with the grandeur of the tree, symbolizing Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience. This phrase serves as a reminder that true greatness is found in submission to God and living in accordance with His will. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven
The "dew of heaven" signifies both a physical and spiritual cleansing. Dew is a natural source of refreshment and renewal, symbolizing God's grace and the opportunity for repentance. This phrase highlights the transformative power of God's intervention, leading to a renewed understanding of His sovereignty. and let him graze with the beasts of the field
This imagery of "grazing with the beasts" reflects Nebuchadnezzar's loss of reason and status, reducing him to a state of animal-like existence. It serves as a humbling experience, emphasizing the consequences of pride and the necessity of recognizing God's authority over all creation. until seven times pass him by
The phrase "seven times" is often interpreted as a period of completeness or divine perfection. In biblical terms, the number seven frequently represents wholeness or completion. This indicates that Nebuchadnezzar's period of humbling will last until God's purpose is fully accomplished, underscoring the perfect timing of God's plans and the assurance of restoration upon repentance. Persons / Places / Events 1. NebuchadnezzarThe king of Babylon who receives the dream and its interpretation. His pride and subsequent humbling are central to the account. 2. Watcher, a Holy OneA divine messenger or angel who delivers the decree from heaven. The term "watcher" (Aramaic: 'ir) suggests vigilance and authority. 3. TreeSymbolizes Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom and his personal greatness. Its cutting down represents his impending judgment. 4. Stump with RootsRepresents the preservation of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom and his eventual restoration after his humbling. 5. Seven TimesA period of divine judgment, often interpreted as seven years, during which Nebuchadnezzar will live like an animal. Teaching Points The Danger of PridePride can lead to a fall, as seen in Nebuchadnezzar's life. We must guard our hearts against self-exaltation. God's SovereigntyGod is in control of all kingdoms and rulers. Trust in His ultimate authority and plan. The Role of Divine MessengersAngels and divine messengers play a crucial role in communicating God's will. Be attentive to how God might be speaking to you. Restoration and HopeEven in judgment, God provides hope for restoration. No situation is beyond His redemption. Humility and RepentanceTrue humility and repentance can lead to restoration. Seek to humble yourself before God daily. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Nebuchadnezzar's experience with pride and humility challenge your own attitudes and behaviors? 2. In what ways can you recognize and respond to God's sovereignty in your life, especially during challenging times? 3. How do the roles of divine messengers in the Bible encourage you to be attentive to God's communication today? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "cutting down" in your life. How did God provide hope and restoration? 5. How can you cultivate a spirit of humility and repentance in your daily walk with God, and what scriptures support this practice? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 14The fall of the king of Babylon is paralleled with the fall of Lucifer, highlighting themes of pride and downfall. Proverbs 16:18This verse speaks to the principle that pride precedes destruction, which is evident in Nebuchadnezzar's account. Luke 14:11Jesus teaches that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, a principle vividly illustrated in Nebuchadnezzar's experience. Job 12:23God’s sovereignty over nations and rulers is emphasized, aligning with the divine control over Nebuchadnezzar’s fate. Revelation 18The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the themes of judgment and restoration found in Daniel 4. People Belteshazzar, Daniel, Jonah, NebuchadnezzarPlaces BabylonTopics Angelic, Animals, Band, Bathed, Beast, Beasts, Bound, Brass, Bronze, Chop, Cut, Descending, Destroy, Destruction, Dew, Drenched, Field, Grass, Ground, Heaven, Heavens, Hew, Holy, Iron, Leave, Messenger, Nevertheless, Pass, Periods, Portion, Roots, Saying, Seven, Share, Sifter, Sky, Stump, Tender, Thereof, Till, Tree, Vision, Watcher, Wet, Whereas, Wild, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 4:23 4312 bronze
4336 iron
6684 mediator Daniel 4:1-37 1443 revelation, OT Daniel 4:19-26 1409 dream Daniel 4:19-33 5849 exaltation Daniel 4:23-26 4504 roots Library The Life of Mr. Andrew Melvil.
Mr. Melvil, after finishing his classical studies, went abroad, and taught, for some time, both at Poictiers in France, and at Geneva. He returned to Scotland in July 1574, after having been absent from his native country near ten years. Upon his return, the learned Beza, in a letter to the general assembly of the church of Scotland, said, "That the greatest token of affection the kirk of Geneva could show to Scotland, was, that they had suffered themselves to be spoiled of Mr. Andrew Melvil." Soon …
John Howie—Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies)Human Government.
Human governments a part of the moral government of God. In the discussion of this subject I will,-- I. Inquire into the ultimate end of God in creation. We have seen in former lectures, that God is a moral agent, the self-existent and supreme; and is therefore himself, as ruler of all, subject to, and observant of, moral law in all his conduct. That is, his own infinite intelligence must affirm that a certain course of willing is suitable, fit, and right in him. This idea, or affirmation, is law …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology Epistle xxxi. To Phocas, Emperor .
To Phocas, Emperor [218] . Gregory to Phocas Augustus. Glory to God in the highest who, according as it is written, changes times, and transfers kingdoms, seeing that He has made apparent to all what He vouchsafed to speak by His prophet, That the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will (Dan. iv. 17). For in the incomprehensible dispensation of Almighty God there are alternate controlments of mortal life; and sometimes, when the sins of many are to be smitten, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Teaching of Matthew 13 Proves that no Era of Millennial Blessing Precedes Christ's Second Advent.
In Matt. 13 we have the record of seven parables--the number of completeness--which our Lord uttered consecutively. These parables are prophetic in their significance and scope. They deal with conditions which are to obtain here during the time of our Lord's absence. They are concerned with the visible profession of Christianity and they look forward to the closing scenes of the present dispensation. As there is much in them upon which we cannot now comment at length we shall content ourselves with …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return And the Fame of Antony came Even unto Kings. ...
81. And the fame of Antony came even unto kings. For Constantine Augustus, and his sons Constantius and Constans the Augusti wrote letters to him, as to a father, and begged an answer from him. But he made nothing very much of the letters, nor did he rejoice at the messages, but was the same as he had been before the Emperors wrote to him. But when they brought him the letters he called the monks and said, Do not be astonished if an emperor writes to us, for he is a man; but rather wonder that God …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity That for the Most Part the Occupation of Government Dissipates the Solidity of the Mind.
Often the care of government, when undertaken, distracts the heart in divers directions; and one is found unequal to dealing with particular things, while with confused mind divided among many. Whence a certain wise man providently dissuades, saying, My son, meddle not with many matters (Ecclus. xi. 10); because, that is, the mind is by no means collected on the plan of any single work while parted among divers. And, when it is drawn abroad by unwonted care, it is emptied of the solidity of inward …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. [1273] Seeing the chief end of all religion is to redeem men from the spirit and vain conversation of this world and to lead into inward communion with God, before whom if we fear always we are accounted happy; therefore all the vain customs and habits thereof, both in word and deed, are to be rejected and forsaken by those who come to this fear; such as taking off the hat to a man, the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold.
^A Matt. XXIV. 1-28; ^B Mark XIII. 1-23; ^C Luke XXI. 5-24. ^a 1 And Jesus went out from the temple [leaving it to return no more], and was going on his way; and his disciples came to him ^b as he went forth ^a to show him the buildings of the temple. ^b one of his disciples saith unto him, Teacher, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings! ^c 5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and offerings, he said [The strength and wealth of the temple roused …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Chorus of Angels
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour and glory, and blessing! I t was a good report which the queen of Sheba heard, in her own land, of the wisdom and glory of Solomon. It lessened her attachment to home, and prompted her to undertake a long journey to visit this greater King, of whom she had heard so much. She went, and she was not disappointed. Great as the expectations were, which she had formed from the relation made her by others, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth.
The Christian era commences on the 1st of January of the year 754 of the city of Rome. That our Lord was born about the time stated in the text may appear from the following considerations-- The visit of the wise men to Bethlehem must have taken place a very few days after the birth of Jesus, and before His presentation in the temple. Bethlehem was not the stated residence of Joseph and Mary, either before or after the birth of the child (Luke i. 26, ii. 4, 39; Matt. ii. 2). They were obliged to …
William Dool Killen—The Ancient Church "Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"Seek first the kingdom of God," &c. It may seem strange, that when so great things are allowed, and so small things are denied, that we do not seek them. The kingdom of God and his righteousness are great things indeed, great not only in themselves, but greater in comparison of us. The things of this world, even great events, are but poor, petty, and inconsiderable matters, when compared with these. Yet he graciously allows a larger measure of these great things relating to his kingdom …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Repentance
Then has God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.' Acts 11: 18. Repentance seems to be a bitter pill to take, but it is to purge out the bad humour of sin. By some Antinomian spirits it is cried down as a legal doctrine; but Christ himself preached it. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent,' &c. Matt 4: 17. In his last farewell, when he was ascending to heaven, he commanded that Repentance should be preached in his name.' Luke 24: 47. Repentance is a pure gospel grace. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Daniel 4:23 NIVDaniel 4:23 NLTDaniel 4:23 ESVDaniel 4:23 NASBDaniel 4:23 KJV
Daniel 4:23 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
